Redlands Restaurants Date Night Guide

There’s something magical about date night at a restaurant in Redlands, California — the chance to escape the everyday and just enjoy each other. Whether it’s a fancy dinner or a hands-on dining experience, it’s all about connection. Laughs, deep talks, and stolen glances make it special. 

Needless to say, we love date nights. We strongly encourage all couples to partake. So, in the spirit of helping partners everywhere spend more time together, we thought we’d introduce you to some of our favorite Redlands restaurant date night spots.

4 Can’t Can't-Miss Redlands Restaurants Perfect for Date Night

There’s something special about dining out in our community. Supporting local restaurants helps small businesses thrive and brings fresh flavors and unique experiences to our evenings. Instead of defaulting to chain restaurants or traveling out of town, why not explore the fantastic culinary gems in Redlands?

1. Cedar Agave — A Fiery Fusion you need to experience!

Host(s): Sarah, Natalie, and Tony

What We Ordered 

APPETIZERS

• Mexican Fattoush Salad — A light Mexican salad reminiscent of a Greek salad. Our host told us this is a great way to start as a quick palate cleanser.
• Pita Bread with Labneh — This is the best pita we’ve ever had, and the thick, minty yogurt was out of this world! 
• Fried Kibbeh — This beauty is a recipe from the owner's mother!
• Taquitos de Jibneh — A wildly delicious and interesting combination of cheeses and potatoes in a deep-fried spring roll.  

DRINKS

• Once Upon a Time in Mexico — A tequila-based drink with a distinctly sour apple flavor. The name is based on the movie Selma Hayek. It also featured a scorpion at the top of the foam. 
• Old BEY Fashioned — Smoked bourbon and a Douglas fir infusion. This little diddy even forms with a candy pinecone from Russia.
• Paris of the East — A delightful mix of black tea and fruit juices. It tasted like a sassy Arnold Palmer with a kick of vodka.
• Carolina’s Kiss — A rum tiki drink. This was the second sweetest drink and Ian’s favorite. 

MAINS

• Chicken Skewers — The chicken was cooked so perfectly!
• Pescado y Tarator — Halibut with a base of fluffy mashed potatoes: This was such a well-balanced entree.

DESSERT

• Baklava Cheesecake — Made daily in Redlands daily. You can order this beauty by the whole cheesecake in advance. I’m usually not a cheesecake kind of girl, but oh my, this cake was out of this world and unlike anything I have ever tasted before. 
• Oaxacan Chocolate Créme — As you can imagine, we were pretty full by now, but we couldn’t pass up enjoying this decadent dessert. It had a cookie in the middle and creamy decadence all around.

Tucked in a candle-lit stairway above Don Orange (another great restaurant we featured last year on our Redlands Staycation guide) lies a unique and sexy new speakeasy-type restaurant. Cedar Agave is a tapas bar that beautifully blends Lebanese and Mexican cultures.

A modern boutique-style experience, it somehow lends itself to both intimate dinners and family-style dining. Simply put, this fusion restaurant is an unforgettable experience from the moment you enter the building. When you walk into this sultry atmosphere, it’s hard not to say, “Wow.” Moody lighting. Leather couches. Vibrant music. It transports you from Redlands to a place that might not even exist. 

The menu is a love letter to both cultures and their bold flavors. Everything here is shareable. We were told that Lebanese culture involves eating with your hands, but utensils are still present and available. The menu also opens with a quote that states, “Some call it family style, we call it Cedar Agave.”

With all of the food options and creative combinations like the ones we tried, Cedar Agave also features vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free fare. The drink menu mirrors the two cultures, offering libations that fit the environment. They have two beers; one is from Mexico, and the other is from Lebanon.

They source their ingredients from all over the world. Their martinis even feature a specialty olive they import from Spain. Their menu also features 26 different tequilas, seven mezcals, and four different araks (which we learned is a Lebanese triple-distilled anise-flavored liquor that is the national drink of Lebanon).

We highly recommend making reservations before going to Cedar Agave. This tapas lounge has dinner service reservations until 9:30 pm. After 10 pm, they transition into a cocktail lounge until 1 am. If you’re looking to reserve a table, host an event, or rent out the entire lounge, Cedar Agave should be on the top of your list. 

2. Uncorked on State — Sip and savor the exceptional food and perfect pairings. 

Host: Susanne (owner and resident sommelier) 

What We Ordered (Featured in their Winter Menu)

APPETIZERS & SALADS

• Bacon Wrapped Asparagus — This starter was a great sharable that also featured a quail egg. 
• Pomegranate Burrata Salad — This salad was a fun, fruity salad topped with sweet candied pecans.

MAINS

• Herb Crusted Pork Chop and Truffle Polenta — A crowd favorite! Our host recommended this. She also mentioned that she loves how Chef Samantha updates this dish every season. 
• Spaghetti Bolognese — This classic pasta dish wasn’t too heavy, like spaghetti can often be. It was light and earthy — a perfect entree to share or enjoy all to yourself. 

DESSERT

• Red Wine Poached Pear Cheesecake — This thin pecan-crusted cheesecake was so light and delicious. The poached pears were a savory addition to the classic that we loved. 

As you take a stroll downtown on State Street, towards the end, you will find a beautiful wine bar and restaurant — Uncorked on State. We have been here a few times and could not wait to go back. Established in 2023, this family-owned restaurant offers a unique and upscale dining experience.

Known for its intimate atmosphere, this is the go-to destination for wine enthusiasts and anyone wanting to try some new flavors. We were lucky enough to get to try some amazing food made by Chef Samantha Flores, who has been with Uncorked since day one.

The servers were all so helpful and had great recommendations of their own. The most common recommendation was, of course, the pork chop. Our host and sommelier paired our Date Night Dinner with a beautiful French red blend that she was excited to try. Ian and I consider ourselves very new to the wine world. It was nice to have some notes and education from this certified wine sommelier.

Uncorked has more than 30 different wines to choose from. They source their wines from Spain, France, Italy, and California. At Uncorked, they truly respect wine and believe wine is a “product of the earth.” Whether you prefer to do a tasting or dinner pairing, they have wine flights where you can try a few different wines since they rotate the selection quite frequently. 

Don’t assume this will be a highfalutin affair. Uncorked is a neighborhood wine bar that is far from pretentious. The outside of the building has a beautiful mural inspired by Wine Country and Redlands combined. Once you step inside, you feel this warmth and sophistication, including an impressive selection of artwork from local artists. All of these are things you can enjoy or purchase to take home. We were lucky enough to meet the featured artist as she was enjoying dinner the same night we went to visit. 

This is a great place to try new wine, celebrate a birthday, or host an event by renting out the entire restaurant. They have weekly specials like discounts on bottles on Tuesdays, all-day happy hour on Wednesdays, and brunch on Sundays. On Thursdays, they host “What are Jake and Susanne Drinking?” where you can join the owners for some pairing combinations and wine education. They recently hosted a Valentine’s 5-course dinner and a Galentine's Day event with different wine-tasting and charcuterie boards. Uncorked also hosted a ‘Restaurant Cares” dinner where all the proceeds went to employees and those who were affected by the recent LA fires. 

Do you want to keep up with any upcoming events or host your own? We recommend signing up for their monthly newsletter. So, if you’re searching for the perfect blend of ambiance, culinary excellence, and wine expertise, Uncorked is a must-visit. Make a reservation, raise a glass, and savor the experience. Cheers!

3. Rok-n-Fondue — A Delicious and Interactive Dining Experience

Hosts: Karen and Marlisa 

What We Ordered 

DRINKS

• Moonshine Mule — I had never had moonshine before, and this was a pleasant surprise. I assumed it would be strong, but this mule was perfectly blanched and tasty. 
• Mango Margarita — This drink was recommended as the hottest cocktail on the menu, literally. The bartender came by to add some fanfare to the drink by lighting the top of it on fire! They also added some “fireworks” with cinnamon sparks! 

APPETIZERS

• Lobster Ravioli — This savory starter was an elegant way to get our appetites going. The lobster was cooked perfectly! 
• Kobe Beef Sliders — These sliders had great quality cooked meat and were accompanied by classic French fries. 

MAINS

• Sun Dried Formaggio Fondue — This fondue was like enjoying cheese pasta with some fun dip-in options. From bread to veggies and even granny smith apples! The fondue was a fun intermission for our Date Night, and the staff was very interactive and friendly. 
• Lamb Rok — Served with carrots and brussels sprouts. We took the chef’s tip and added Merlot butter on top!
• Shrimp — Succulent shrimp with mashed potatoes and asparagus. We took the chef’s tip for this too and ordered garlic butter for dipping or drizzling.

DESSERT

• Banana Fosters — This was, hands down, the coolest dessert we have ever had! Served tableside by your talented (and brave) server, this dessert is worth the experience alone. An assortment of sweets like Rice Krispies, bananas, pretzels, brownies, and other fruits are also provided for dipping into the decadent chocolate.
• Creme Brulee — This dessert staple was brilliantly balanced and a great finisher on this culinary adventure.

If you’re looking for an interactive dining experience in downtown Redlands, look no further than Rok-N-Fondue. Rok-N-Fondue opened in 2012 on the owner's son’s birthday! It was opened to create a unique, community-based business that allows family and friends to enjoy time together. 

This intimate and stylish restaurant offers a hands-on experience where you can cook your meats and seafood on sizzling hot volcanic rocks. The technique locks in flavor, ensuring every bite is cooked just the way you like it. They also have a huge bar on the first floor with moonshine cocktails, mocktails, and an impressive wine list perfect to pair with any entree

The lava “roks” are the main attraction. It is rare to be able to experience cooking on a 900-degree rock! Rok also has a lot of vegetarian options on the menu. Beyond the rock-grilling experience, their cheese and chocolate fondues are a must-try. With a variety of cheeses infused with delicious flavors and decadent chocolate options for dessert, it’s the perfect place for a romantic date night or a fun group gathering.

The ambiance is warm and inviting, with dim lighting and a lively yet intimate atmosphere that enhances the experience for your date and your taste buds. We highly recommend getting to witness all the fun ways to dine with Rok-N-Founde. You can celebrate a wedding or a birthday, or just take a few friends on a culinary journey right here in Redlands.

If you cannot go to the restaurant, Rok has recently started offering pickup and delivery via DoorDash and Grubhub. They will also be offering lunch soon through both of these business vehicles.

4. Ranch Market Picnic at The Asistencia — Real Food, Real Quality, and Ready to Go. +A Great Day Date!

For this date, we decided to enjoy a picnic here in Redlands. And because no reservations are needed for a trip to The Redlands Ranch Market, it’s the perfect place to load up on snacks and drinks. 

The Redlands Ranch Market has been in business for nearly three decades. They’re a go-to for one-stop-shop picnic supplies and more. When you walk in, you are transported into an international market utopia. The first thing you will notice is their brand new 24-foot refrigerated case for all of your healthy grab-and-go needs

 The convenient collection includes (but is definitely not limited to):

• Fresh pressed juices
• Premade salads
• Deli sandwiches
• Fruit
• Veggies
• Easy breakfast options
• Dinner sides
• Charcuterie boxes
• Burritos
• Salsas 

All of these foods are made in-house, from scratch, and without any preservatives. For our picnic, we got a couple of charcuterie boxes that were filled with meat, cheese, fruits, nuts, sweets, and various crackers. We also washed it down with some of their fresh-squeezed juices and a few mini bottles of wine! It was a perfect, well-prepared picnic option!

Besides the market’s new fresh case, the market carries an impressive selection of specialty goods. Their meat department is extremely impressive, with a wide variety of meat and seafood. They even have a section of kosher and halal meat!

If you’re looking for more prepared meals, the Cocina Mexicana department makes premium and homestyle Mexican cuisine daily. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and authentic, from soups and burritos to tacos and agua frescas. They even have an in-house Tortelleria that makes 100% Maiz tortillas right before you. 

I love getting authentic rice, beans, and tortillas when we’re having taco nights! To complement all of the amazing meals, meats, and other grocery classics, the produce section is a colorful playground with top-tier produce from all over the world. They have a fantastic selection of chilies, spices, and fruits that you may not be able to find at other grocery stores.

You must check out their authentic pandaderia (bakery) if you have a sweet tooth. With dozens of different sweet breads freshly made, it’s difficult just to choose. The bakery can also make custom cakes for any occasion. The panaderia is one of Ian’s favorite areas of the store, and he highly recommends the churros.

Another of Ian’s favorite places in The Redlands Ranch Market is the Beer Cave! The Beer Cave has various beers, seltzers, and specialty drinks. The juice bar has you covered if you’re looking for healthier drinks. You can watch fresh juice being made right in front of you! From freshly squeezed orange juice to green juice blends and other healthy combinations. 

With our goodies ready to go, we drove a couple of minutes away to The Asistencia Mission de San Gabriel. The Redlands Conservancy operates the Asistencia and is open to the public throughout the week. It was a beautiful and historical place to enjoy our picnic. 

The mission was built between 1830 and 1834 by the Franciscan Fathers of Mission San Gabriel, whose enormous land holdings stretched from Pasadena to Redlands. The County of San Bernardino and several other groups have been instrumental in restoring the Asistencia. The restored structures house a wedding chapel, cactus garden, bell tower, wishing well, and a museum with exhibits that depict Native American and early pioneer life. 

If you’re looking for more places to enjoy a picnic date, there’s a large selection of Redlands parks from which to choose. 

Support Your Favorite Date Night Redlands Restaurants 

Want another great way to support your favorite Redlands date night spots? Beyond being a patron, give them a shoutout on social media! Tagging them in your workout posts and leaving a positive review can make a big difference for small businesses.

Take it further by tagging About Redlands—we love re-sharing community highlights!

The restaurants and businesses featured here generously offered complimentary food and beverages to our guest contributors. At About Redlands, we’re dedicated to supporting local businesses. If you own a business and would like to be featured, contact us via social media or email. We’d love to showcase you on our blog!